Esmeralda santiago when i was puerto rican summary? (2023)

What is the summary of the book Esmeralda Santiago?

Santiago's memoir tells of her remarkable journey from the barrios of Puerto Rico to her graduation from Harvard University. A moving narrative of survival, When I Was Puerto Rican explores the universal immigrant theme of assimilation and its effects on family, culture, and identity.

When I Was a Puerto Rican summary?

Overview. The memoir When I Was Puerto Rican recounts author Esmeralda Santiago's early years. It is the first of her three memoirs chronicling her childhood in Puerto Rico to her eventual residence in the United States. It is a coming of age story, but mines richer material than that.

How does Esmeralda Santiago identify herself?

She identifies herself not only by how she feels but also by how she is seen by others. In this sense, the novel allows students to think about both physical and psychological rites of passage. Cultural identity is one of the most important themes throughout the novel.

What happened at the end of When I Was Puerto Rican?

At the end of the book she tries out for the School for the Performing Arts. Esmeralda Santiago really brings Puerto Rico to life. Despite the poverty and the problems, Negi's family loves her and wants her to succeed -- and she does.

Why is Esmeralda Santiago important?

Esmeralda Santiago (born May 17, 1948) is a Puerto-Rican author known for her narrative memoirs and trans-cultural writing.

Is Esmeralda White in the book?

Of course, white Roma exist and it is obvious that in Hugo's mind, Agnès/Esmeralda was nothing but a white woman “with a tan”. But the recurring use of actresses, in later adaptations, whose whiteness is portrayed as approximate points to a commodification of Romani ethnicity.

What is Puerto Rico quick summary?

Puerto Rico is a large Caribbean island of roughly 3,500 square miles located in the West Indies. It's the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles chain, which also includes Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola (divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic).

What is the message of when I was Puerto Rican?

Students read Esmeralda Santiago's memoir about her childhood in Puerto Rico and her subsequent move to New York, exploring themes of cultural identity, social mobility and the American Dream.

What is a brief summary of Puerto Rico history?

Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Initially, Columbus christened the Island San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist). The name was soon changed to Puerto Rico, or “rich port,” when the Spaniards realized the impressive amount of gold found in its rivers.

How is Esmeralda sexualized?

Her poses and behavior are erotic (which then lead to an image of her being burnt at the stake). This is because this is how Frollo envisions her — His lust is manifest in this sexualized display.

What does Santiago realize about himself?

Santiago realizes that he can find his way through any circumstance, no matter what befalls him, and live out his Personal Legend. In his pursuit of the dream, he was being constantly subjected to tests of his persistence and courage. So he could not be hasty, nor impatient.

What did Esmeralda Santiago study?

Santiago attended New York City's Performing Arts High School, where she majored in drama and dance. After eight years of part-time study at community colleges, she transferred to Harvard University with a full scholarship.

What is Puerto Rico suffering from?

The debate over Puerto Rico's statehood remains as relevant as ever, as the island struggles with the combined effects of economic depression, shrinking population, debt crisis and bankruptcy, natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government mismanagement.

How did slavery end in Puerto Rico?

On March 22, 1873, the Spanish National Assembly finally abolished slavery in Puerto Rico. The owners were compensated with 35 million pesetas per slave, and slaves were required to continue working for three more years. Indemnity bond paid as compensation to former owners of freed slaves as compensation.

Why did Puerto Ricans leave their country?

The large migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States took place after 1945 as a result of economic changes having to do with the transformation of the Island's economy from a monocultural plantation economy into a platform for export-production in factories.

What are 3 facts about Esmeralda Santiago?

Santiago graduated Magna cum Laude from Harvard University, earned an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, and has Honorary Doctorates from four universities. She has served on the boards of The Jacob Burns Film Center, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and the PEN American Center.

Why did Esmeralda Santiago move to the US?

Esmeralda Santiago along with her family migrated in the 1961 seeking better economic stability. history between the United States and Puerto Rico, revealing the tension between island-born Puerto Ricans and Nuyoricans in New York.

How old is Esmeralda?

In the novel, Esmeralda was 16 years old. In the film, she appears to be older and more mature. She's believed to be in her early twenties.

Who really loved Esmeralda?

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is set in Paris during the 15th century. The story centres on Quasimodo, the deformed bell ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, and his unrequited love for the beautiful dancer La Esmeralda.

Who does Esmeralda love?

Esmeralda runs off, and Phoebus follows her. Later that month, she meets with Phoebus and declares her love for him.

Why is Esmeralda hanged?

During an assignation with Esmeralda, Phoebus is stabbed by Frollo and Esmeralda is arrested, tortured, and wrongly convicted for murder and witchcraft. Quasimodo rescues her from the gallows and takes her to asylum in the cathedral of Notre-Dame, but Frollo pursues her again until she is hanged.

What are 2 important facts about Puerto Rico?

The Island has almost 300 miles of coastline and nearly the same number of beaches. Puerto Rico has the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las Américas, and the most extensive rum factory globally, Casa Bacardí.

How do Puerto Ricans say hello?

¡Hola, hola!

What is a famous Puerto Rican saying?

“Mas viejo que el frio”

This phrase literally translates to “older than the cold” in English. Puerto Ricans use this phrase when they want to say that something or someone is really, really old.

What is Puerto Rican identity?

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, and they enjoy many—but not all—the privileges that entails. The issue of Puerto Rico's future political status has been an ongoing debate for more than 50 years, and it is as much a part of the island's national identity as its Spanish language and customs.

When did slavery start in Puerto Rico?

In 1517, the Spanish Crown authorized the importation of enslaved Africans, which forcibly brought thousands to the island. Slavery in Puerto Rico was not as brutal as the chattel slavery that occurred in the Southern United States.

What important events happened in Puerto Rico?

1868: El Grito de Lares Rebellion, demanding Puerto Rico's independence from Spain. 1873: Slavery abolished in Puerto Rico. 1898: U.S. troops invade Puerto Rico during Spanish-American War. Spain cedes Puerto Rico to U.S. under Treaty of Paris.

Why is history of Puerto Rico important?

Puerto Rico was the historic first gateway to the discovery of Florida, which opened the door to the settlement of the southeastern United States. They introduced Christianity, cattle, horses, sheep, the Spanish language and more to the land (Florida) that later became the United States of America.

How would you describe Esmeralda?

Esmeralda is a vivacious and joyous young woman; she loves her freedom and her ability to dance and wander wherever she likes. She is frequently compared to birds and flying insects throughout the novel, which represent her desire to be free.

What is the personality of Esmeralda?

Personality. Esmerelda is a fearless, outspoken, sassy, and streetwise Romani with a heart of gold and is very capable of defending herself. She's also able to look beyond physical appearances and is one of the first—and only—people in both films to befriend the deformed yet lovable hunchback Quasimodo.

Is Esmeralda good or bad?

Esmeralda's actually a pretty static character. She is good and kind when the novel begins and good and kind when it ends – only when it ends she's also dead. She learns nothing as the story goes on and doesn't change her views at all.

What is the lesson learned by Santiago?

The primary way that the Alchemist helps Santiago is that he teaches the boy the importance of believing in himself. He is determined and wants to learn all that he can about the world, which allows him to overcome challenges and complete his destiny. This is what Paulo calls the language of omens, which he learns.

What life lessons does Santiago learn?

What he learns first is that people deceive themselves about the world and the way it works. More crucially, Santiago learns that he can continue to be a passive receiver of the events of his life, a victim — or he can embrace his experiences and move forward with purpose, thereby becoming an adventurer.

What does Santiago try to become?

The men laugh and challenge Santiago to prove the alchemist's claim. The alchemist says that after three days Santiago will transform himself into the wind.

Who is the father of Esmeralda Santiago's?

PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1948, in San Juan, Puerto Rico; daughter of Pablo Santiago Diaz (a poet and carpenter) and Ramona Santiago (a factory worker); married Frank Cantor (a filmmaker), June 11, 1978; children: Lucas David, Ila.

What was Esmeralda Santiago's first book?

Her first book, a memoir of her childhood entitled When I Was Puerto Rican appeared in 1993 to great critical acclaim. She soon followed this memoir with the novel America's Dream. Her most recent novel is entitled Almost a Woman. Aside from her achievements as a writer, Esmeralda Santiago is also an editor.

What awards has Esmeralda Santiago won?

Peabody Award-winning screenwriter, essayist, and novelist Esmeralda Santiago is the best-selling author of three memoirs, When I Was Puerto Rican (1993), Almost a Woman (1998), and The Turkish Lover (2004), as well as the novel América's Dream (1996).

Is Puerto Rico still poor?

The expansions are critically important for Puerto Rico, which has among the highest poverty rates in the country: 44 percent for its general population and an even higher 57 percent for children.

Why do Puerto Ricans leave Puerto Rico?

Achieving economic stability is typically the main reason that many Puerto Ricans migrate to the U.S. mainland. At the same time, thousands return to Puerto Rico annually, describing their homecoming as "a dream come true."

Who was enslaved in Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico remained under Spanish Rule until 1898, and today Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. The indigenous Taino people were enslaved by the Spanish and their culture was virtually destroyed.

Does Puerto Rican show up on DNA test?

In short, can you find out if you have Puerto Rican ancestry? Yes, absolutely! Depending on if and when in your past you had some Puerto Rican ancestors, Genetic DNA Testing can reveal some very interesting information.

How did sugar lead to slavery?

Europeans enjoyed their sugar and were causing the inhumane Atlantic slave trade. The conditions for enslaved people on sugar plantations in the Caribbean were especially brutal. Driven by profits, plantations owners saw enslaved labor as a less expensive way to produce sugar.

What is the most common Puerto Rican last name?

Can Puerto Ricans live in USA?

Its people have been U.S. citizens since 1917, but they have no vote in Congress. As citizens, the people of Puerto Rico can move throughout the 50 states just as any other Americans can—legally, this is considered internal migration, not immigration.

Are Puerto Ricans U.S. citizens?

1187, 1139). The Nationality Act of 1952 reenacted the provisions of the Nationality Act of 1940. It also declared individuals born in Puerto Rico on or after January 13, 1941, to be U.S. citizens at birth (Nationality Act of 1952, 8 U.S.C. § 1402).

Who does Esmeralda end up with in the book?

She's the love interest of both Quasimodo, the protagonist, Captain Phoebus, the tritagonist and Frollo, the villain. Although Esmeralda ends up with Phoebus and not Quasimodo, she is one of the few heroines not to be obtained by the main character; the first being John Smith.

Is Esmeralda a gypsy in the book?

Although Esmeralda has been raised by gypsies and is thought of as a gypsy by the people of Paris, she is in fact the daughter of Paquette la Chantefleurie (or Sister Gudule), a recluse who believes that her baby (Esmeralda) was killed by gypsies.

What was Esmeralda guilty of?

During an assignation with Esmeralda, Phoebus is stabbed by Frollo and Esmeralda is arrested, tortured, and wrongly convicted for murder and witchcraft.

What happens to Esmeralda?

As in the original novel, Esmeralda dies, though she is killed by smoke inhalation instead of by Frollo. Her death causes Quasimodo to kill Frollo, and, in the end, carries her corpse and leaves Notre Dame.

Who is the villain in Esmeralda?

Frollo in the novel only becomes the villain when Esmeralda enters the picture. His lust drives him insane much like in the Disney version. In the Disney version, however, Frollo is shown to be a man with a god complex and warped morals long before he meets Esmeralda.

What race was Esmeralda?

Namely, in Delannoy's version Esmeralda is a Romani rather than a Frenchwoman adopted by the Romani, and her costume was designed to be as close as possible to that of a Medieval Romani woman.

Who does Esmeralda fall in love with?

Esmeralda, for her part, has fallen hopelessly in love with Captain Phoebus. When he asks her to meet him in secret late one night, she enthusiastically agrees. That night Phoebus tries to persuade Esmeralda to sleep with him.

Who was the inspiration for the character Santiago?

Inspiration for character

General biographical consensus holds that the model for Santiago in The Old Man and the Sea was, at least in part, the Cuban fisherman Gregorio Fuentes. Fuentes, born in 1897 on Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, migrated to Cuba when he was six years old and met Hemingway there in 1928.

Does Esmeralda Santiago write in English or Spanish?

Although Santiago writes primarily in English, she has participated in the translation of some of her novels into Spanish.

Why does Esmeralda want to attend the Performing Arts school?

Esmeralda wants to perform well because while looking at bulletin board, she finally sees what her future might look like and imagines truly being an adult who's good enough to exist on the school's bulletin board, and she thinks that if she attends this new school, her name will be on top of the bulletin board.